Cumbria ranked in the top 10 delivery locations for Bikeability training
August 11, 2023
New figures from the Bikeability Trust show Cumbria ranked in the top ten of local authority areas for 2022–23 with training delivered to 78% of Year 6 pupils.
A recent report from the Bikeability Trust show that cycle training is reaching more children than ever before, with 461,887 children receiving training between April 2022 and March 2023 (1). The Bikeability Trust’s latest delivery stats show that 9844 primary schools received Bikeability training, representing 66% of primary schools in England (excluding London). Cumbria ranked 5th with over 4000 pupils receiving the training.
The record figures show that the Bikeability Trust is making progress to meet the Government’s manifesto commitment to offer Bikeability training to every school child.
Bikeability cycle training equips children with vital life skills. Pupils not only learn to cycle, they gain independence, social skills and a sense of wellbeing. After Bikeability, children are better at responding to risk and report increased confidence. As a result, more children cycle to school which in turn improves mental health and wellbeing. This allows children to get more out of the classroom, improving their attention span and engagement. Healthier habits lead to increased attendance and improved academic results. Bikeability isn’t just a training course; it impacts children’s lives.
Active Cumbria’s Active Travel to School Team are proud to deliver Bikeability, free to students across Cumbria to provide the skills and confidence for pupils to navigate the roads safely via bicycle.
Active Cumbria’s Active Travel Officer Jen Free said, “This is fantastic news for Active Cumbria and our delivery partner Cyclewise. Bikeability training provides life skills that are the foundation that underpin future active travel for the next generation of Cumbrians and we are delighted to see the county ranked 5th nationally in this latest report.”
Active Cumbria’s Bikeability training provider and partner Cyclewise said, "We are delighted with the top 5 ranking in England for the Bikeability delivery. We would like to thank our amazing team of instructors for their dedication and hard work, the schools for making this happen and the County Council for their continued support of this very worthwhile scheme."
Bikeability Trust Chief Executive Emily Cherry said: “I’m so proud of the 461,887 children across England who can now enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of cycling, and will have the skills and confidence to be able to make more sustainable transport choices for the rest of their lives. Well done to you all, and huge thanks to our brilliant instructors and training providers across the country, who are so committed to teaching young people this essential life skill. And a special well done to our Bikeability superstars in the top performing areas.
Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman said: “Active travel puts the joy back into journeys, transforming the school run and giving children across the country transport independence, so it’s fantastic to see Bikeability reach this impressive milestone of delivering cycle training to nearly half a million kids.
“Helping young people develop the skills and confidence to get to schools, shops and leisure activities under their own steam is at the heart of our mission to provide healthier and greener travel choices for everyone.”
The Bikeability Trust’s 2022 Impact Report can be viewed here: https://www.bikeability.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Bikeability-Trust-Impact-report-2022.pdf
Bikeability training will be continuing in the new academic year. Find out more about Active Cumbria's Active Travel to School programme here